In preparation for an exciting 2027 season at the Stratford Festival, we are seeking applications for several contracts for Assistant Lighting Designers. Assistant Designers report to the Head of Design and Design Coordinator and are part of the design team. Assistant Designers work collaboratively with designers, creative teams, Festival staff and craftspeople to see the design process of one or more shows through from the assistant’s arrival to Opening. 

All positions require full-time residency for the contract period in Stratford, ON, or surrounding area. Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada. Due to the seasonal and production-based nature of the Festival’s operations, contract lengths vary and are approximately 16-20 weeks in length and begin as early as January 4, 2027. Assistant Designers are typically paid a weekly rate, that covers up to 44 hours per week. Overtime, when approved by the Head of Design, should be expected during the busiest periods, and is paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. The maximum number of hours per week with overtime is 60, in accordance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).

Interviews with short-listed candidates would take place over the summer, with offers as soon as possible after interviews are complete.

Assistant Lighting Designer responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist the lighting design process during the creation of the lighting used for the production
• Prepare floor plans, cue sheets, tracking sheets, plots, and other forms for the documentation of the lighting design 
• Attend production and design meetings with the designer to support the creative team in the design process
• Prepare an accurate sketch of all lamps as focused
• Maintain tracking information and cue sheets during lighting sessions and technical rehearsals
• Coordinate with stage management to confirm placement of all called cues
• Compile all paperwork for archiving purposes
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Design
• 2 to 4 years working as a Designer and/or Assistant Designer in a professional theatre environment
• Proficient in Autocad and/or Vectorworks, ETC Family consoles, Lightwright
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive and applications

Behavioural Competencies:

• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
• Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
• Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance

This contract full-time posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin in 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Candidates are required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Job Type:  Contract Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $27.45 - $28.54

Application Deadline: July 10, 2026.